X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has restricted access to more than 60 accounts of Saudi Arabian dissidents within the kingdom since mid-July through geoblocking technology, according to the London-based human rights organization ALQST. The move brings X in line with other major US social media companies, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram and Snapchat, which had previously implemented similar account restrictions targeting Saudi dissidents following directives from Saudi authorities.
Accounts affected by the restrictions include those of Yahya Assiri, a Saudi human rights activist and ALQST director, and Abdullah Alaoudh, a US-based activist and policy adviser who has been critical of Saudi human rights practices. The blocked accounts also encompass exiled activists, Saudi academics, and independent media outlets. Account holders received notifications from X stating that their content had been withheld in Saudi Arabia to comply with the platform’s obligations under Saudi Arabia’s local laws. A Saudi decree referenced in the communications cited concerns that the accounts transmitted material infringing on public order, religious values, public morals, or privacy rights.
Prominently affected individuals expressed concern about the decision and questioned the platforms’ commitment to free speech principles. One activist noted the irony of being censored by technology companies while in exile from their home country. Another prominent figure targeted, Saudi satirist Ghanem al-Masarir, noted his surprise at Musk’s decision to comply with Saudi requests, warning that authoritarian governments worldwide might follow the precedent.
Human rights organizations have called on X, Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube to restore access to the blocked accounts and provide greater transparency regarding their decision-making processes. Meta has previously explained that it may restrict content availability in countries where the material is reported as violating local laws but does not breach the company’s own community standards. X and Saudi Arabian authorities have been approached for additional comment on the matter.
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